In the Animal Parasitology group we develop several lines of research:
Ixodoidea tick phenology. We carry out studies on the distribution and ecology of hard ticks, with special interest in those of the genus Hyalomma. These studies include morphological identification, animal and vegetation studies, experimental infestations, and the development of alternative methods to the use of experimental animals: artificial feeding of ticks.
Along these lines, we have contributed to the re-description of the biological cycle of Hyalomma lusitanicum, the most abundant hard tick in many areas with a Mediterranean climate. We have described the monthly dynamics of ticks in their usual hosts, the field rabbit and the red deer. We have also determined the moments of maximum risk of infestation thanks to the study of the phases of free life.
Pathogens transmitted by Ixodoidea ticks: the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases is directly related to the ecology of ticks, which is why we are highly involved in the study of the relationship between ticks-animals and transmitted agents. Examples: Coxiella burnetii (agent of Q Fever) and Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFv).
Along these lines, we have provided abundant information on the presence of Coxiella burnetii in hard ticks and in domestic and wild animals. We have recently conducted studies on the jungle cycle of C. burnetii that show its close relationship with H.lusitanicum and the animals on which this tick feeds. Thus, we have verified transstadial and transovarial transmission in nature by this species of tick.
We have also participated in the realization of the “Report on the situation and evaluation of the risk of transmission of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHF) in Spain” directed by the Center for Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES) of the Ministry of Health , Consumption and Social Welfare.
Control of Ixodoidea ticks: Tick control is essential for the control of the pathogens transmitted by it. In this line, the studies on control of Mediterranean ticks stand out: "from the laboratory to the field".
Thanks to the knowledge of the ecology of Hyalomma lusitanicum, we have carried out various studies for its control from the perspective “from the laboratory to the field”. Thus, starting from the testing of various products in the laboratory at a first level (study in individual ticks or in small batches) we move to field conditions at a small level under controlled conditions, then under semi-controlled conditions and later in the open field. In this line, our work on the control of ticks in vegetation or of ticks in animals (by administering products to animals by various methods (oral route, by contact, etc.) stand out.
Others:
sporadically we collaborate with other groups in various aspects of parasites and animal diseases and in the detection and production of new acaricidal products, having detected numerous natural products with some activity against ticks
In nature, it is not common for a host to suffer an isolated infectious disease, but the most common is the simultaneous appearance of several diseases, although one manifests more than the others. For this reason, we collaborate with other groups in the study of other diseases of animals. We have also noted the lack of efficacy of some acaricidal products and we are aware of the need for control tools to be respectful with the environment. In this line, we are collaborating with other groups in the detection and development of new products of natural origin that have activity against ticks..